Latest news with #AURORA
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cartesian Therapeutics Announces First Participant Enrolled in the Phase 3 AURORA Trial of Descartes-08 in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis
FREDERICK, Md., May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAC) ('Cartesian' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, today announced that the first participant has been enrolled in its Phase 3 AURORA trial of Descartes-08 in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Descartes-08, Cartesian's lead cell therapy candidate, is an autologous engineered chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) product candidate targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). Descartes-08 is designed to be administered without preconditioning chemotherapy in an outpatient setting and does not use integrating vectors. 'With the first participant now successfully enrolled, commencement of our Phase 3 AURORA trial represents a significant milestone in our mission to deliver a differentiated, durable treatment option to patients with MG,' said Carsten Brunn, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Cartesian. 'With sustained benefits observed through 12 months in our Phase 2b trial, we believe Descartes-08 has the potential to transform the current MG treatment paradigm with just a single course of therapy.' 'Marked by chronic use of steroids and other immunosuppressants while often delivering only limited efficacy, the current standard of care for patients with MG is inadequate,' said James (Chip) F. Howard, Jr., M.D., Cartesian Clinical Advisor and Professor of Neurology, Medicine, and Allied Health at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. 'Supported by compelling results from the Phase 2b trial, I firmly believe that Descartes-08 has the potential to serve as a safe, flexible, and durable treatment option for patients with MG. I look forward to helping advance this important study.' The Phase 3 AURORA trial is designed to assess Descartes-08 versus placebo (1:1 randomization) administered as six once-weekly outpatient infusions without preconditioning chemotherapy in approximately 100 participants with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody positive (AChR Ab+) MG. The primary endpoint will assess the proportion of Descartes-08 participants with an improvement in MG Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score of three points or more at Month 4 compared to placebo. In April 2025, the Company announced updated efficacy and safety data from the Phase 2b trial of Descartes-08 in participants with MG. After a single course of therapy, Descartes-08-treated participants were observed to sustain deep responses through long-term follow-up, with an average 4.8-point reduction in the MG-ADL score at Month 12. The deepest and most compelling sustained responses were observed in Descartes-08-treated participants who did not have prior exposure to biologic therapies, with an average 7.1-point reduction in MG-ADL and 57% of patients in this subgroup maintaining minimum symptom expression at Month 12. The safety profile of Descartes-08 was consistent with previously reported data and continues to support outpatient administration. About Cartesian Therapeutics Cartesian Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company pioneering cell therapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The Company's lead asset, Descartes-08, is a CAR-T in Phase 3 clinical development for patients with generalized myasthenia gravis and Phase 2 development for systemic lupus erythematosus, with a Phase 2 basket trial planned in additional autoimmune indications. The Company's clinical-stage pipeline also includes Descartes-15, a next-generation, autologous anti-BCMA CAR-T currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 trial in patients with multiple myeloma. For more information, please visit or follow the Company on LinkedIn or X, formerly known as Twitter. Forward Looking Statements Any statements in this press release about the future expectations, plans and prospects of the Company, including without limitation, statements regarding observations and data from the Company's clinical trials, the anticipated timing or the outcome of ongoing and planned clinical trials, studies and data readouts, the ability of the Company's product candidates to be administered in an outpatient setting or without the need for preconditioning lymphodepleting chemotherapy, the potential of Descartes-08, Descartes-15, or any of the Company's other product candidates to treat myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis, multiple myeloma, or any other disease, the anticipated timing or the outcome of the FDA's review of the Company's regulatory filings, the Company's ability to conduct its clinical trials and preclinical studies, the timing or making of any regulatory filings, the novelty of treatment paradigms that the Company is able to develop, the potential of any therapies developed by the Company to fulfill unmet medical needs, and enrollment in the Company's clinical trials and other statements containing the words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'hypothesize,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'target,' 'would,' and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, but not limited to, the following: the uncertainties inherent in the initiation, completion and cost of clinical trials including proof of concept trials, including uncertain outcomes, the availability and timing of data from ongoing and future clinical trials and the results of such trials, whether preliminary results from a particular clinical trial will be predictive of the final results of that trial, whether results of early clinical trials will be indicative of the results of later clinical trials, and whether results observed in certain patient subgroups will be indicative of the results in such subgroups in later clinical trials or are reflective of a product candidate's overall characteristics, the ability to predict results of studies performed on human beings based on results of studies performed on non-human subjects, the unproven approach of the Company's technology, potential delays in enrollment of patients, undesirable side effects of the Company's product candidates, its reliance on third parties to conduct its clinical trials, the Company's inability to maintain its existing or future collaborations, licenses or contractual relationships, its inability to protect its proprietary technology and intellectual property, potential delays in regulatory approvals, the availability of funding sufficient for its foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements, the Company's recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows, substantial fluctuation in the price of the Company's common stock, risks related to geopolitical conflicts and pandemics and other important factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in other filings that the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views only as of the date of its publication and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company specifically disclaims any intention to update any forward looking statements included in this press release, except as required by law. Contact Information:Investor Contact:Megan LeDucAssociate Director, Investor Media Contact:David RosenArgot in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 2 OASIS Study of TNX-102 SL for Reduction of Acute Stress Reaction
Investigator-initiated Phase 2 trial to evaluate TNX-102 SL's potential to reduce severity of acute stress reaction (ASR) and frequency of acute stress disorder (ASD) Trial is sponsored by the University of North Carolina (UNC) and supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Topline results from the trial are expected in the second half of 2026 CHATHAM, N.J., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a fully-integrated biotechnology company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2, investigator-initiated OASIS trial to evaluate TNX-102 SL in reducing the severity of acute stress reaction (ASR) and the frequency of acute stress disorder (ASD). The trial is sponsored by the University of North Carolina (UNC) Institute for Trauma Recovery and supported by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). 'TNX-102 SL has been shown to improve sleep quality in PTSD, and previous trials of TNX-102 SL suggested activity on sleep and stress-related symptoms in the first several weeks of treatment,' said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. 'Addressing sleep disturbances is crucial in managing ASR, as poor sleep can exacerbate other symptoms and hinder recovery. There is a significant unmet need for treating ASR after traumatic events, such as civilian motor vehicle collisions or warfighter experiences in forward bases or in theater. We are encouraged by the support of TNX-102 SL's prior data improving PTSD symptomatology in the first several weeks of treatment, which may be crucial to reducing ASR symptoms and their sequalae. We look forward to topline results in the second half of 2026.' The Optimizing Acute Stress Reaction Interventions with TNX-102 SL (OASIS) trial will examine the safety and efficacy of TNX-102 SL to reduce adverse posttraumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) after a motor vehicle collision (MVC). The trial plans to enroll approximately 180 MVC-trauma survivors at ED study sites around the U.S. Participants will be randomized in the ED to receive a two-week course of either TNX-102 SL 5.6 mg or placebo. The OASIS trial will build upon a foundation of knowledge and infrastructure developed through the UNC-led, $40 million AURORA initiative. AURORA is a major national research initiative to improve the understanding, prevention and recovery of individuals who experience a traumatic event. AURORA is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leading brain health nonprofit One Mind, private foundations, and partnerships with leading tech companies, such as Mindstrong Health and Verily Life Sciences, the healthcare arm of Alphabet, the parent company of Google. Acute and chronic stress disorders can affect both civilian and military populations. According to the National Center for PTSD, in the U.S. about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one trauma in their lives In the U.S. alone, one-third of ED visits (40-50 million patients per year) involve evaluation after trauma exposures, and in a 2014 study involving 3,157 US veterans, 87% reported exposure to at least one potentially traumatic event during their service. Moreover, as many as 500,000 U.S. troops who served in wars between 2001 and 2015 were diagnosed with PTSD. Currently, no medication is available in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events to treat the initial reaction and support long term health via a post-trauma clinical trajectory that prevents development or worsening of ASD, thereby also preventing PTSD. For more information, see Identifier: NCT06636786 About TNX-102 SL TNX-102 SL is a centrally acting, non-opioid investigational drug, designed for chronic use. The tablet is a patented sublingual formulation of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride developed for bedtime dosing for the management of fibromyalgia. Cyclobenzaprine potently binds and acts as an antagonist at four different post-synaptic neuroreceptor subtypes: serotonergic-5-HT2A, adrenergic-α1, histaminergic-H1, and muscarinic-M1-cholinergic receptors. Together, these interactions are believed to target the non-restorative sleep characteristic of fibromyalgia identified by Professor Harvey Moldofsky in 1975. Cyclobenzaprine is not associated with risk of addiction or dependence. The TNX-102 SL tablet is based on a eutectic formulation of cyclobenzaprine HCl and mannitol that provides a stable product which dissolves rapidly and delivers cyclobenzaprine by the transmucosal route efficiently into the bloodstream. The eutectic protects cyclobenzaprine HCl from interacting with the basifying agent that is also part of the formulation and required for efficient transmucosal absorption. Patents based on TNX-102 SL's eutectic composition and its properties have issued in the U.S., E.U., Japan, China and many other jurisdictions around the world and provide market protection into 2034. The European Patent Office's Opposition Division maintained Tonix's European Patent EP 2 968 992 in unamended form after an Opposition was filed against it by a Sandoz subsidiary, Hexal AG. Hexal AG did not appeal that decision. The formulation of TNX-102 SL was designed specifically for sublingual administration and transmucosal absorption for bedtime dosing to target disturbed sleep, while reducing the risk of daytime somnolence. Clinical pharmacokinetic studies indicated that relative to oral cyclobenzaprine, TNX-102 SL results in higher levels of exposure during the first 2 hours after dosing and in deceased levels of the long-lived active metabolite, norcyclobenzaprine in both single dose and multiple dose studies, consistent with bypassing first pass hepatic metabolism. At steady state after 20 days of dosing TNX-102 SL, the dynamic peak level of cyclobenzaprine is higher than the background level of norcyclobenzaprine. In contrast, after 20 days of dosing oral cyclobenzaprine, the simulated peak level of cyclobenzaprine is lower than the simulated background level of norcyclobenzaprine. Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.* Tonix is a fully integrated biotech company focused on transforming therapies for pain management and vaccines for public health challenges. Tonix's development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix's priority is to advance TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for the management of fibromyalgia, for which an NDA was submitted based on two statistically significant Phase 3 studies for the management of fibromyalgia and for which a PDUFA (Prescription Drug User Fee act) goal date of August 15, 2025 has been assigned for a decision on marketing authorization. The FDA has also granted Fast Track designation to TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction and acute stress disorder under a Physician-Initiated IND at the University of North Carolina in the OASIS study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Tonix's immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is an Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix's infectious disease portfolio includes TNX-801, a vaccine in development for mpox and smallpox, as well as TNX-4200 for which Tonix has a contract with the U.S. DoD's Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for up to $34 million over five years. TNX-4200 is a small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agent targeting CD45 for the prevention or treatment of infections to improve the medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat environments. Tonix owns and operates a state-of-the art infectious disease research facility in Frederick, Md. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults. * Tonix's product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics; their efficacy and safety have not been established and have not been approved for any indication. Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of their respective owners. This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'forecast,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' and 'intend,' among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix's current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on March 18, 2025, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof. Investor Contact Jessica MorrisTonix (862) 799-8599 Peter VozzoICR (443) 213-0505 Media Contact Ray JordanPutnam Insightsray@ 245-5432 Indication and Usage Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan succinate) injection (Zembrace) and Tosymra® (sumatriptan) nasal spray are prescription medicines used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults who have been diagnosed with migraine. Zembrace and Tosymra are not used to prevent migraines. It is not known if Zembrace or Tosymra are safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. Important Safety Information Zembrace and Tosymra can cause serious side effects, including heart attack and other heart problems, which may lead to death. Stop use and get emergency help if you have any signs of a heart attack: discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort breaking out in a cold sweat nausea or vomiting feeling lightheaded Zembrace and Tosymra are not for people with risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, overweight, diabetes, family history of heart disease) unless a heart exam shows no problem. Do not use Zembrace or Tosymra if you have: history of heart problems narrowing of blood vessels to your legs, arms, stomach, or kidney (peripheral vascular disease) uncontrolled high blood pressure hemiplegic or basilar migraines. If you are not sure if you have these, ask your provider. had a stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or problems with blood circulation severe liver problems taken any of the following medicines in the last 24 hours: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, ergotamines, or dihydroergotamine. Ask your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure. are taking certain antidepressants, known as monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors or it has been 2 weeks or less since you stopped taking a MAO-A inhibitor. Ask your provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure. an allergy to sumatriptan or any of the components of Zembrace or Tosymra Tell your provider about all of your medical conditions and medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements. Zembrace and Tosymra can cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness. If so, do not drive a car, use machinery, or do anything where you need to be alert. Zembrace and Tosymra may cause serious side effects including: changes in color or sensation in your fingers and toes sudden or severe stomach pain, stomach pain after meals, weight loss, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever cramping and pain in your legs or hips; feeling of heaviness or tightness in your leg muscles; burning or aching pain in your feet or toes while resting; numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs; cold feeling or color changes in one or both legs or feet increased blood pressure including a sudden severe increase even if you have no history of high blood pressure medication overuse headaches from using migraine medicine for 10 or more days each month. If your headaches get worse, call your provider. serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious problem that can happen in people using Zembrace or Tosymra, especially when used with anti-depressant medicines called SSRIs or SNRIs. Call your provider right away if you have: mental changes such as seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), agitation, or coma; fast heartbeat; changes in blood pressure; high body temperature; tight muscles; or trouble walking. hives (itchy bumps); swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat seizures even in people who have never had seizures before The most common side effects of Zembrace and Tosymra include: pain and redness at injection site (Zembrace only); tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes; dizziness; warm, hot, burning feeling to your face (flushing); discomfort or stiffness in your neck; feeling weak, drowsy, or tired; application site (nasal) reactions (Tosymra only) and throat irritation (Tosymra only). Tell your provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Zembrace and Tosymra. For more information, ask your provider. This is the most important information to know about Zembrace and Tosymra but is not comprehensive. For more information, talk to your provider and read the Patient Information and Instructions for Use. You can also visit or call 1-888-869-7633. You are encouraged to report adverse effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Globe and Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
TRANSLUNAR Launches AURORA: A Sensory Sculpture for the Home of the Future
TRANSLUNAR unveils AURORA — a sculptural object blending art, technology, and futuristic design to reshape the home environment. More than a light or speaker, AURORA is a multisensory installation for homes that embrace emotion, expression, and immersive experience. 'We didn't aim for loud,' says TRANSLUNAR Co-founder Benny Robte. 'We wanted to design something that feels present — even when it's silent.' Crafted from hand-laid carbon fiber and aerospace-grade aluminum, AURORA balances strength with elegance, every line evoking motion and calm. Internally, AURORA integrates a high-fidelity Bluetooth speaker and responsive ambient lighting, shaping the atmosphere through light and sound. It doesn't demand attention — it guides it. 'AURORA was never meant to be a 'product,'' the TRANSLUNAR team shared. 'It's a spatial experience, where sculpture meets technology, and feeling leads function.' Founded in 2019 in Colorado, TRANSLUNAR is a design studio focused on future-oriented living. Its mission is to blur the boundaries between science, art, and design, crafting objects that stimulate not just the senses, but the imagination. The studio's philosophy — "Earth is too small for dreams.' — guides every creative decision. To learn more, visit: TRANSLUNAR Official Website For media inquiries please contact at: support@ Media Contact Company Name: translunar Contact Person: Will Turner Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
Washington Post
23-03-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
One of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen remembers struggle for recognition amid Trump's DEI purge
AURORA, Colo. — With members of a trailblazing Black Air Force unit passing away at advanced ages, efforts to remain true to their memory carry on despite sometimes confusing orders from President Donald Trump as he purges federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Col. James H. Harvey III, 101, is among the last few airmen and support crew who proved that a Black unit — the 332nd Fighter Group of the Tuskegee Airmen — could fight as well as any other in World War II and the years after.
Associated Press
19-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Exxel Pharma Participates in the Virtual Investor 'Top 5 for ‘25' On-Demand Conference
On-demand video webcast now available here AURORA, CO / ACCESS Newswire Exxel Pharma ('Exxel' or the 'Company'), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of neuronal hypersensitivity disorders, today announced it participated in the Virtual Investor 'Top 5 for '25" On-Demand Conference. As part of the event, Soren Mogelsvang, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Exxel, presented the top five reasons of why he believes the investment community and industry colleagues should pay attention to the Company in 2025. The on-demand video webcast is now accessible for viewing here and on the Investors section of the Company's website ( About Exxel Pharma Exxel Pharma is a privately held pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of neuronal hypersensitivity disorders. The Company's lead program, EX937, is an oral, first-in-class, patented small molecule designed to specifically and peripherally inhibit the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme. Exxel plans to launch a first-in-human Phase 1/1b study of EX937 for the treatment of refractory chronic cough, a large underserved market with no current FDA-approved therapies. In preclinical studies, EX937 demonstrated efficacy in its ability to modulate chronic cough in multiple models. Additionally, EX937 has shown to have a favorable safety profile and is expected to have no CNS side effects by being entirely excluded from the central nervous system and brain. EX937 also has the potential to be utilized across a number of high-value indications, including hyperactive bladder, peripheral neuropathic pain and migraine headaches. Exxel Pharma has a second program (ARN compounds) with the potential to treat Social Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Forward Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events, future expectations, plans and prospects. Although Exxel believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Exxel has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including ''believes,'' ''estimates,'' ''anticipates,'' ''expects,'' ''plans,'' ''projects,'' ''intends,'' ''potential,'' ''may,'' ''could,'' ''might,'' ''will,'' ''should,'' ''approximately'' or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including market and other conditions and those discussed under Item 1A. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of its date. Exxel undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after its date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Investor Contact Jenene Thomas Chief Executive Officer JTC Team, LLC T: 908.824.0775
